La PorteuX version 2.1 Presents itself As one of the first Linux distributions to incorporate the recent 6.15 kernel, it advances in compatibility, performance, and graphics support. Its focus on portability and lightness make it a standout choice for those looking for an adaptable system without sacrificing the latest technological improvements.
PorteuX maintains the philosophy of being a small, fast and modular distro, Based on Slackware and inspired by both Slax and Porteus, it's designed to be ideal for use on devices with modest hardware or for those who need a flexible work environment that can run from a variety of media, such as USB or external media.
Main new features in PorteuX 2.1
The version jump is marked by the incorporation of the Linux 6.15 kernel, which brings significant improvements in support for newer hardware, stability, and overall system performance. Another important technical change is the move from NTFS-3G to NTFS3 as the default driver for handling NTFS file systems, streamlining Windows partition management and simplifying file transfers between the two operating systems. However, those using symbolic links in NTFS partitions will need to regenerate them after updating.
The development team has implemented support for zstd and lz4 in the ZRAM kernel, improving the efficiency and speed of compressed RAM storage. Additionally, Elementary icons have been optimized in the MATE and Xfce editions, and global volume keys have been added in the LXDE edition.
Updated editions and desktop environments
PorteuX 2.1 is offered in a wide variety of desktop environments, each benefiting from specific updates:
- KDE Plasma 6.3.5
- GNOME 48.2
- Cinnamon 6.4.10
- Xfce, MATE, LXQt and LXDE have also been updated
All versions come with NVIDIA 575 drivers Newly added, improving support and performance on systems with these graphics cards. Additionally, AMF headers have been added to enable hardware encoding with AMD GPUs via FFmpeg.
Internal improvements and bug fixes in PorteuX 2.1
Additional technical changes include:
- Patch to close windows with the middle mouse button in the LXDE taskbar.
- The package bc has been moved to the 001-core group, essential for mathematical scripts.
- Default support for desktop icons in the KDE Plasma edition.
- Open windows in Openbox now appear centered on the screen.
Previous issues such as modules being incorrectly detected as corrupted, internationalization issues in the installer, issues with sudo.py and PipeWire in Openbox, and visual errors in Xfce and LXQt such as incorrect positioning of the Whisker Menu in Xfce sessions with Wayland or displaying qps in LXQt.
Download and availability of PorteuX 2.1
PorteuX 2.1 can be downloaded in variants based on Slackware Stable or Current, Thus, it is suitable for both those seeking robustness and those who prefer the latest packages. It is available in KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, LXQt, and LXDE editions.
With this update, PorteuX reinforces its role as one of the most robust and lightweight portable distributions, designed for technical users, live or rescue systems, and any environment where the combination of modularity, speed and updated graphical support be a priority. Its development continues to focus on optimizing the experience and expanding compatibility without sacrificing efficiency.